Press Release - Covid - Staycation Club 11.06.2020

Alderney expects gradual increase in visitors through Staycation Club

Alderney is being promoted as the ideal 'Staycation' destination for Bailiwick residents as lockdown travel restrictions are eased.

With the return of The Little Ferry and more seats available on flights, an increase in visitors to the island is expected.

Visit Guernsey and Visit Alderney are working together to promote Staycations to Bailiwick residents as an alternative to the traditional summer break, Policy & Finance Chairman James Dent told the full States of Alderney meeting on June 10.

An invitation has been sent to all homes in Guernsey inviting islanders to join the 'Staycation Club' and discover exclusive special offers from the Bailiwick's hospitality sector, including those on Alderney.

"Self-catering and other facilities that are already open or about to open have embraced the concept," said Mr Dent. "The campaign is being promoted digitally and in print throughout the Bailiwick. I am sure that as summer develops we will see an ever-increasing push."

He revealed that the States of Alderney has been in "constructive and fast-paced" dialogue with authorities in Guernsey over the short-term requirements for air connectivity.
Progress has been hindered with Aurigny only able to book a maximum of 10 seats per flight to meet social distancing requirements, but this number is expected to return to a full complement of 18 with the condition that passengers wear facemasks. This would increase passenger potential by 80% overnight.

Alderney has also been liaising with the States Trading Supervisory Board and Aurigny for the Sunday afternoon rotation to be reinstated. "This particularly important for the Bailiwick Staycation initiative as the majority of early interest appears to be for weekend breaks, both from and to Guernsey," said Mr Dent.

"We might reasonably expect that the next flights to be reintroduced will be the second rotations on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and perhaps Saturday morning, but this will depend upon demand rising. Opening hours at both Alderney and Guernsey airports are also part of the conversations."

The Little Ferry is now providing an additional 24 seats a day in both directions, with capacity to slot in a further rotation if demand justifies it at the busiest times. Facemasks must be used on all sailings.

Visitors arriving from outside the Bailiwick including Jersey, the UK and France must self-isolate for 14 days.

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